| Ticket type | Reserve on your own |
| Exhibit type | Traditional culture exhibits |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
Please refer to your voucher for final information regarding meeting points, pick-up locations, and pick-up time
Meeting point description: Meet at Strada Regia Raganella n.99 in Sciacca. Please arrive at the meeting point 10 minutes before the start of the activity.(Strada Regia Raganella, n.99, 92019 Sciacca, AG, Italy)
Know in advance:This is a small-group experience, with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 participants
Please let the local partner know if you have any food allergies or intolerances. You'll find the contact details in your voucher after booking
The activity is led by a bilingual host
Casarecce is one of Sicily's signature short pasta shapes, with its name meaning 'homemade'. It's characterized by its twisted form and the groove in the center, which holds sauce exceptionally well. In the class, you'll learn how to use traditional tools and methods to roll the dough into long strands, then expertly and swiftly twist them into the unique spiral shape of Casarecce. This is not just a demonstration of crafting skills but also an immersive experience into Sicilian traditional pasta culture.
Through the traditional fresh Sicilian pasta making class, you will gain deep insights into how Sicilian pasta, influenced by its unique geographical location and historical background, has fused diverse Mediterranean cultural influences to create rich local flavors. The course will introduce the history of pasta development in different regions of Sicily, as well as how local ingredients and spices impart its one-of-a-kind characteristics, allowing you to appreciate this culinary art from a historical and cultural perspective.
In addition to Casarecce, the fresh Sicilian pasta making class will introduce and demonstrate other classic Sicilian pasta types based on seasonal availability and traditional recipes. You might have the opportunity to learn about pasta shapes like Maccheroni or Tagliatelle, understanding the key techniques for making each type and experiencing the diversity of Sicilian pasta culture.
For making traditional fresh Sicilian pasta, the class focuses on using high-quality local ingredients. Typically, this includes Italian durum wheat semolina (Semola di grano duro), which gives the pasta its unique elasticity and golden hue. Additionally, fresh eggs and pure water are used, sometimes with a small amount of olive oil, to ensure the perfect texture and flavor of the dough – these are the essence of Sicilian pasta.
In the Sicilian pasta making class, students will learn several core traditional handmade techniques, including precise dough kneading to achieve ideal elasticity and smoothness, using a rolling pin to flatten the dough into thin sheets, and shaping these sheets by hand or with simple tools into various traditional pasta shapes, such as the twisted Casarecce. These techniques are derived from the experience of generations of Sicilian pasta masters.
During a pasta making class in Sciacca, you'll immerse yourself in the unique culinary culture of this seaside town. Sciacca is not only a fishing port; its cuisine is deeply influenced by marine resources and inland agricultural products. The class will incorporate the local residents' choices of ingredients and adherence to traditional recipes, showcasing the importance of pasta in Sciacca's daily life and allowing you to experience its distinctive culinary style from a local perspective.
After the Sicilian pasta making class concludes, students will have the opportunity to cook and enjoy the fresh pasta they've made, paired with traditional Sicilian sauces carefully prepared by local chefs, savoring the fruits of their labor. Furthermore, this delicious meal is typically accompanied by select local wines, allowing you to experience Sicily's unique dining culture and flavor combinations while enjoying your meal.
The fresh Sicilian pasta making class offers an immersive experience. First, you'll receive guidance from local experts on the history and ingredients of Sicilian pasta. Then, under their direction, you'll knead and create various traditional pasta shapes yourself. After finishing the preparation, you will cook and enjoy your creations, accompanied by local wine. The entire class experience is designed to be a complete and delightful learning and culinary journey, expected to last several hours.